The Skipper

According to Ranieri his recovery is going so well that he'll make the WC.

Can someone please translate the interview fully?

I'm not saying take him back but that doesn't explain why he wouldn't fit here as a striker.

Why is he not?

Which is exactly why I posted the above video - Gundogan could've easily come away with at least an assist and a goal in those legs. He provided the platform for Reus, Lewa and Gotze to run riot - most moves started through him. He was excellent in the CL in general for Dortmund, it's the main reason why he became so wanted across Europe before his injury. Kroos can definitely drive the ball but not like Gundogan does because he lacks that speed to comfortably beat a man or glide past him like Gundogan does. I think Kroos' USP is his ability to produce magic in the final third more than anything. He doesn't glide past players like Gundogan does IMO. I do agree that his lack of speed is over exaggerated though - he's not as slow as many make him out to be. To be honest, I would be ecstatic if we signed either, just slightly prefer Gundogan if he gets over his injury problems because although Kroos is more of a goal threat and marginally has better vision, as I've explained above I think Gundogan will suit the game we're trying to implement better.

I think it's time...

LOOOOL.

Your opinion, but here's mine: I don't think Courtois is better than Cech yet. They're on the same level but Cech shades it because of experience for me. Don't think Godin or Miranda are better than Cahill either, certainly not Cahill on recent form. They are at most on par. Ramires is better than Mario Suarez and Babi, he's just not in form at the moment. I think he'd start over both. Willian and Koke are different players, not sure why you're comparing them tbh. We aren't just marginally better than Atletico, we're better full stop. Once you get down to squad depth too we're obviously ahead of them.

Well, since you play your best players together the rest of his goals this season (15) were scored with Suarez playing because Suarez hasn't been injured since. But, earlier in the season wasn't the first time Sturridge was scoring without Suarez. Last season after Suarez's biting antics he still scored 5 goals in 4. So in fact, he's scored 11 goals in 10 appearances without Suarez playing during his time at Liverpool. Of course Suarez playing affects his total tally; he's a quality player that makes his team better, it's inevitable, but to say that he's only scoring as many goals as he is because of Suarez is incorrect as him scoring 11 goals in 10 appearances without Suarez suggests.

Sturridge without Suarez this season: 6 games, 6 goals.

21 goals in 23 appearances. Having a brilliant season, plus bagged me an easy £20, betted with a mate who didn't believe he'd get 20 goals this season and said his first half season with Pool was a fluke...Easy money .

Are you sure you watched him against Real? Because he was very impressive in both games against them, excellent in fact. Was the heartbeat of the team, his playmaking and ability on the ball really drove Dortmund on and was on full display in both legs. Incase you want to rewatch his actions in those games, here's a pretty good video highlighting his every touch: I love Ramires, and if you go to his thread or just look at most of my posts in relation to him you'll see me defending him, but he isn't as good as Gundogan is technically. As you've said, work rate and speed wise Rambo beats him, but Gundogan's work rate and speed is still pretty good. Ramires beats almost every midfielder in that aspect anyway. Apart from that, Ilkay is better in every other aspect. We shouldn't be comparing them anyway because they are different type of players. Regarding his injuries, I'm not ignoring them at all, I wasn't even talking about who would be the better transfer between him and Kroos; I was merely discussing his abilities with you because first you sort of compared him to Matic and then you brought Ramires into the equation when he's nothing like either. A Matic - (fully fit) Gundogan midfield is better than a Kroos - Matic midfield simply because Gundogan complements Matic a lot more than Kroos does. Gundogan can drive forward with the ball, can waltz past players and is very comfortable in possession when surrounded by multiple players - these attributes of his which make him more compatible with Matic as Matic is great at the holding role, the more defensive role of the pivot which will restrict his abilities to go forward - but that'd be fine if a mobile midfielder with Gundogan's skills is next to him. Actually, a good player to compare Gundogan with is Modric.

He might win player's player of the year. He's had a great season though even though he's playing most of it out of position. If we do get Shaw next summer our starting fullbacks are sorted for a long time. Azpi will be the more defensively sound one with decent attacking instincts whilst it'll be the other way around for Shaw who'll link up with Hazard. So our left side (Hazard, Shaw) will be the more attacking side (naturally as our most talented player is there) and the right side will balance it with hard working players who are still decent offensively (Willian, Azpi).

Sorry mate just been wondering how you get this info? Do you have connections at Adidas or?

Seen him play once or twice at Marseille but didn't really pay much attention - however I would also rather give Chalobah a chance than sign him tbh as Mufassir said.

No way that's the only difference. Gundogan is a proper playmaker, has great vision, can control a game from midfield... Ramires can not. It seems like you haven't seen him play much at all.

I'm in tears. Someone made a match compilation? LOL.

That is also true, but I was merely discussing his ability in relation to Kroos'.

Definitely, but Gundogan is a great passer as well.

A Gundogan - Matic pivot is just as good as a Kroos - Matic pivot. Probably even better. Whilst Kroos might be a stronger player (Gundogan isn't even weak to begin with anyway), Ilkay makes up for that with his speed and acceleration (which may suit our counter attacking game a lot more). Also, Kroos is definitely more of a goal threat but Gundogan is by far the better dribbler. I think Gundogan compliments Matic more than Kroos does.

Matic and Gundogan are not alike. Kroos and Gundogan are more similar.

The only reason I wish we kept one of Mata or KDB this season is exactly because of this - it was inevitable. Oscar's burn out was going to come sooner rather than later.

After Matic and JT this guy was outstanding. Can't wait to see him in his regular position regularly - even if we sign Shaw I'm delighted that we'll have great cover at LB.

What a player.

You whore.